A professional career in property

Written by The Parks on 7/1/16

Set your PHD, Masters and degrees aside- and show me your NQF4.

Back in the day the “Property Agent” title was deemed to be a part time solution for additional income, since then the industry has attracted the entrepreneur and ambitious wanting to be educated in the property trade. “Agents are now considered property specialists and community bodies, controlling overall the value of each suburb by representation” claims Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.

Being a property specialist has changed a lot over the years as the industry has evolved and regulating authorities been put in place to manage the industry and ensure a standard of service. The new criteria for obtaining the right to sell property professionally include having to work a full year's internship, building a portfolio and having to abide by all regulations set out by the EAAB (The Estate Agency Affairs Board). The required licences according to law is to at least have an NQF4 certification and the Fidelity Fund registration card which is renewable every 12 months, to prove you have the licence to sell.

Joining an established brand will definitely make a difference in whether you succeed or not. Craig noted that joining Engel & Völkers brings with it great benefits such as an established training academy to assist the new or established agent easily ease into the E&V way and the industry. “We also offer all the tools an agent would require to assist his / her clients effectively and efficiently – ensuring that they receive the best possible service and marketing package” Craig concluded.

The industry entails constant research on ever changing property laws and staying up to date with new legislation. If learning new things, working with people and challenges are what interest you? Then being a professional property advisor might just be for you.